Animal Collective will begin recording new album in January

It's been two years since Animal Collective released Merriweather Post Pavilion, and in that time the band members have busied themselves with various solo projects and tours. At this year's Pitchfork Music Festival, Animal Collective both thrilled and confused fans (depending on who you ask) with a set concentrated on new material. Now it appears the group is ready to take those songs (along with some recently written numbers) into the studio. Avey Tare tells Madison.com that Animal Collective just completed five songs (on top of 10 new songs the group reported having this summer) and will start recording in January. "We're really excited about this record," Tare said. "It's been really fun jamming with those guys again." [via Pitchfork]